Prophylactic Surgery in Women With a Hereditary Predisposition to Breast and Ovarian Cancer

2000 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 1980-1995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Eisen ◽  
Timothy R. Rebbeck ◽  
William C. Wood ◽  
Barbara L. Weber

PURPOSE: To review the published literature on the efficacy and adverse effects of prophylactic mastectomy (PM) and prophylactic oophorectomy (PO) in women with a hereditary predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer and to provide management recommendations for these women.METHODS: Using the terms “prophylactic,” “preventive,” “bilateral,” “mastectomy,” “oophorectomy,” and “ovariectomy,” a MEDLINE search of the English-language literature for articles related to PM and PO was performed. The bibliographies of these articles were reviewed to identify additional relevant references.RESULTS: There have been no prospective trials of PM or PO for the reduction of breast cancer or ovarian cancer incidence or mortality. Most of the available retrospective studies are composed of women who had surgery for a variety of indications and in whom genetic risk was not well characterized. However, some reports in women at increased risk of breast or ovarian cancer have shown that PM and PO can reduce cancer incidence.CONCLUSION: Interest in and use of PM and PO are high among physicians and high-risk women. PM and PO seem to be associated with considerable reduction in the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, albeit incomplete. The surgical morbidity of PM and PO is low, but the complications of premature menopause may be significant, and few studies address quality-of-life issues in women who have opted for PM and PO. Management recommendations for high-risk individuals are presented on the basis of the available evidence.

2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 974-978 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Moreira Bacha ◽  
Jean Gregoire ◽  
Katherine Grondin ◽  
Maria Isabel Edelweiss ◽  
Rachel Laframboise ◽  
...  

BackgroundWomen with germ line BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations have a marked increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer compared with the general population, whereas risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) significantly lowers the incidence of these cancers. The objective of this study was to review the clinical and pathological characteristics of a French Canadian population undergoing RRSO. Surgical morbidity was also evaluated.Materials and MethodsFrom December 1999 to December 2009, all women who underwent RRSO at our institution were identified. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Descriptive statistics, the Fischer exact test, and the Student t test were used for analysis.ResultsDuring the study period, RRSO was performed on 119 women. Mean age at surgery was 49 years (35–72 years), and 63 patients (53%) were premenopausal. Sixty-two women (52%) had a history of in situ or invasive breast cancer. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations were present in 34 patients (29%) and 42 patients (35%), respectively, whereas 43 patients (36%) were considered to have an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer, despite a personal genetic test, which was either negative (n = 23) or unknown because the patient declined genetic testing (n = 20). Most patients with a uterus in place had a complementary hysterectomy (65%). Six complications occurred (3 hematomas, 2 cardiac arrhythmias, and 1 cystotomy). In one patient (0.8%), a high-grade stage II ovarian cancer was discovered at the time of surgery. Fallopian tube atypias were identified on final pathology in 8 cases (6.7%). After a median follow-up of 22 months, 4 women (3.4%) developed breast cancer and one woman (0.8%) developed peritoneal cancer.ConclusionsRisk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy is highly effective in preventing ovarian, fallopian tube, and breast cancers in a high-risk French Canadian population; and the surgical morbidity is low.


1998 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 979-985 ◽  
Author(s):  
V R Grann ◽  
K S Panageas ◽  
W Whang ◽  
K H Antman ◽  
A I Neugut

PURPOSE Young Ashkenazi Jewish women or those from high-risk families who test positive for BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutant genes have a significant risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer by the age of 70 years. Many question whether they should have prophylactic surgical procedures, ie, bilateral mastectomy and/or oophorectomy. METHODS A Markov model was developed to determine the survival, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness of prophylactic surgical procedures. The probabilities of developing breast and ovarian cancer were based on literature review among women with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene and mortality rates were determined from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data for 1973 to 1992. The costs for hospital and ambulatory care were estimated from Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) payments in 1995, supplemented by managed care and fee-for-service data. Utility measures for quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were explicitly determined using the time-trade off method. Estimated risks for breast and ovarian cancer after prophylactic surgeries were obtained from the literature. RESULTS For a 30-year-old woman, according to her cancer risks, prophylactic oophorectomy improved survival by 0.4 to 2.6 years; mastectomy, by 2.8 to 3.4 years; and mastectomy and oophorectomy, by 3.3 to 6.0 years over surveillance. The QALYs saved were 0.5 for oophorectomy and 1.9 for the combined procedures in the high-risk model. Prophylactic surgeries were cost-effective compared with surveillance for years of life saved, but not for QALYs. CONCLUSION Among women who test positive for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, prophylactic surgery at a young age substantially improves survival, but unless genetic risk of cancer is high, provides no benefit for quality of life. Prophylactic surgery is cost-effective for years of life saved compared with other medical interventions that are deemed cost-effective.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 5588-5588 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Rhiem ◽  
C. Fischer ◽  
K. Bosse ◽  
B. Wappenschmidt ◽  
R. K. Schmutzler

5588 Background: In BRCA germline mutation carriers increased risks for cancer at other sites than breast and ovary have been reported. Methods: To evaluate the risk of BRCA-associated cancers, we conducted a cross-section analysis in 4405 individuals from 409 families with BRCA1 (n=86) or BRCA2 mutations (n=53) and 270 high risk BRCA1/2 negative families ascertained by the Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer Center Cologne. We considered proven mutation carriers, individuals affected by breast and ovarian cancer and their first degree relatives and identified 921 individuals from BRCA1 (604 female; 317 male), 571 from BRCA2 (365 female; 206 male) and 2913 from BRCA1/2 negative (1938 female; 975 male) families that suffered from 677 cancers other than breast and ovarian cancers. Relative risks (RR) of the study group compared to the general population were evaluated by the standardized incidence ratio (SIR), using data from two German Cancer Registries. Results: The risk for cervical cancer is significantly increased in women from BRCA1 and BRCA2 positive (RR=4.59, 95% CI=2.20 to 8.44, and RR=3.69, 95% CI=1.20 to 8.61; p=<0.001) and from BRCA1/2 negative families (RR=2.97, 95% CI=1.88 to 4.45). Moreover, the risk for pancreatic cancer in women from BRCA2 positive and BRCA1/2 negative families as well as the risk for prostate cancer in men from BRCA2 positive families is increased (RR=5.10, 95% CI=1.65 to 11.90; RR=1.98, 95% CI=1.02 to 3.46; RR=2.09; 95% CI=1.00 to 3.84). Conclusions: We here report an increased risk of cervical cancer for women from BRCA1 and BRCA2 positive and from BRCA1/2 negative high risk families, respectively. These results are in line with other studies in BRCA1 and 2 positive individuals and should be considered in the clinical risk management of these individuals. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 16-24
Author(s):  
Georgios Lypas

Abstract The most frequently identified genetic cause of breast cancer is the germline mutation of BRCA1 and 2 genes. The carriers of these mutations are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancers and increased risk for pancreatic and prostate cancers. Personal and family history are routinely used to identify individuals at risk for carrying such mutations. Genetic counselling is required to guide them through genetic testing and risk management. Positive testing corresponds to a deleterious mutation, whereas negative testing is considered as uninformative; variants of unknown clinical significance are also classified as uninformative. The most effective risk reduction strategy involves bilateral prophylactic mastectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, eliminating 90% of breast and 97% of ovarian cancer risks, respectively. Before and until such surgery, surveillance with physical examination, mammography and magnetic resonance mammography, starting at 25–30 years of age, are recommended for the early diagnosis of breast cancer; semi-annual surveillance with physical examination, transvaginal ultrasound and serum CA-125 is recommended for women who have not had prophylactic surgery. Carriers diagnosed with breast cancer run a high risk for a new breast primary and this information should be used accordingly. PARP inhibitors is a new class of antineoplastic agents, already approved for advanced BRCA1/2 mutant (germline or somatic) ovarian cancer. Multigene panel testing may follow a negative BRCA genetic test, often identifying other genetic causes of cancer, expanding its role in oncology. Further adoption of PARP inhibitors, refinement in estimation of BRCA-associated cancer risks and wider population testing, through NGS technology, may become available in the near future.


Tumor Biology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 101042831769552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Luisa Gasparri ◽  
Assunta Casorelli ◽  
Erlisa Bardhi ◽  
Aris Raad Besharat ◽  
Delia Savone ◽  
...  

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide, and ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. Women carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation have a very high lifetime risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. The only effective risk-reducing strategy in BRCA-mutated women is a prophylactic surgery with bilateral mastectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. However, many women are reluctant to undergo these prophylactic surgeries due to a consequent mutilated body perception, unfulfilled family planning, and precocious menopause. In these patients, an effective screening strategy is available only for breast cancer, but it only consists in close radiological exams with a significant burden for the health system and a significant distress to the patients. No biomarkers have been shown to effectively detect breast and ovarian cancer at an early stage. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulatory molecules operating in a post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Aberrant expression of miRNAs has been documented in several pathological conditions, including solid tumors, suggesting their involvement in tumorigenesis. miRNAs can be detected in blood and urine and could be used as biomarkers in solid tumors. Encouraging results are emerging in gynecological malignancy as well, and suggest a different pattern of expression of miRNAs in biological fluids of breast and ovarian cancer patients as compared to healthy control. Aim of this study is to highlight the role of the urinary miRNAs which are specifically associated with cancer and to investigate their role in early diagnosis and in determining the prognosis in breast and ovarian cancer.


2000 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 223-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen S. Tambor ◽  
Barbara A. Bernhardt ◽  
Gail Geller ◽  
Kathy J. Helzlsouer ◽  
Teresa Doksum ◽  
...  

1999 ◽  
Vol 123 (11) ◽  
pp. 1023-1026
Author(s):  
Tom S. Frank

Abstract Inherited mutations in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 are associated with a significantly increased risk of breast cancer, particularly before the age of 50 years, as well as an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Patients with early-onset breast cancer or ovarian cancer at any age with a family history of either disease are at higher risk of carrying a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2. Laboratory analysis of these genes can determine whether a patient has inherited an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. In the absence of a mutation that has been previously identified in a family member, most tests for hereditary breast-ovarian cancer risk analyze the entire coding sequences of BRCA1 and BRCA2. The gene sequencing process itself can be automated, but the data must be interpreted by an individual with training in molecular diagnostics. Management options generally available to individuals with hereditary susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer include heightened surveillance, prophylactic surgery, and chemoprevention. The use of genetic techniques to identify women with increased risk of cancer demonstrates the application of recent advances in the understanding of the genetic basis of malignancy to laboratory medicine and clinical care.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 889
Author(s):  
Ava Kwong ◽  
Cecilia Y. S. Ho ◽  
Vivian Y. Shin ◽  
Chun Hang Au ◽  
Tsun Leung Chan ◽  
...  

The germline carrier of the BRCA1 pathogenic mutation has been well proven to confer an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Despite BRCA1 biallelic pathogenic mutations being extremely rare, they have been reported to be embryonically lethal or to cause Fanconi anemia (FA). Here we describe a patient who was a 48-year-old female identified with biallelic pathogenic mutations of the BRCA1 gene, with no or very subtle FA-features. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and breast cancer at the ages of 43 and 44 and had a strong family history of breast and gynecological cancers.


Author(s):  
Azar Sattarinezhad ◽  
Akbar Rasekhi Kazerouni ◽  
Gholamhossein Ranjbar Omrani ◽  
Mesbah Shams

Abstract Objectives To review non-surgical prevention strategies in women with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes. Content Women with a gBRCA1 or 2 mutations face a high cumulative breast and ovarian cancer risk. While bilateral mastectomy (PBM) and bilateral salpingo-oophrectomy (PBSO) profoundly reduce the respective cancer risks, they are also associated with considerable side effects. There is therefore an urgent need for alternative and non-surgical risk reduction options. Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors have both been evaluated in secondary prevention, but their benefit in primary prevention is currently unknown in BRCA mutation carriers. In addition, their use is compromised by their side effect profile which makes them less appealing for a use in chemoprevention. Summary and outlook Denosumab is a well-tolerated osteoprotective drug, which has been demonstrated to have a potential preventive effect particularly in BRCA1-deficient models in vitro. The prospectively randomized double-blind BRCA-P trial is currently investigating the preventative effect of denosumab in healthy BRCA1 germ line mutation carriers.


2016 ◽  

Aims and Objectives: To report a series of cases with breast and ovarian carcinomas either in same patient or in a family and identifying the importance of BRCA 1,2 genetic testing in such individuals. Materials and Methods: The medical records of breast and ovarian cancer patients operated over past 3 years at a single institute were reviewed retrospectively and their clinical profile, family history, final pathological reports and follow up data was collected. Results: 8 patients were found to have breast and ovarian malignancies, out of which 3 had synchronous breast and ovarian cancers, 4 had metachronous and 1 patient with ovarian cancer had history of breast cancer in family. Median age of presentation to the hospital was 47 years and median time interval in metachronous disease patients was 5.5 years. Conclusion: About 5% of people who have breast cancer and about 10% of women who have ovarian cancer have HBOC, caused by germline mutation in BRCA1, 2 gene. These individuals have increased risk of developing breast cancer at younger age, TNBC, or developing a second primary in breast or ovary plus an overall risk of breast/ovarian/prostate/pancreatic malignancies in other family members due to inheritable mutation. Identification of BRCA mutation in such individuals can help family members to undergo genetic counseling and follow different screening and prevention guidelines from general population thus reducing the cancer risks.


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